The Associated Press reports Los Angeles Dodgers 3B Norihiro Nakamura made a successful debut in the majors with a single in his first major league at-bat. Nakamura recorded the hit in the eighth inning of the team's game Sunday, April 10.

Tony Jackson, of the Long Beach Press-Telegram, reports Los Angeles Dodgers 3B Norihiro Nakamura has modified his swing slightly, with the help of hitting coach Tim Wallach, by shortening his stroke and bringing his hands more directly into the hitting zone. "Before, he was kind of out away from his body (with his hands)," said Wallach. "Now we have moved him back a little bit so he's shorter to the ball." Wallach also said Nakamura has been more confident as camp has progressed.

The Los Angeles Times' Steve Henson reports Los Angeles Dodgers 3B Norihiro Nakamura appeared in his first spring training game, hitting a ground-rule double in his first at-bat and impressing the team with his fielding. "Hopefully, my play appeals to the manager and I make the team," Nakamura said through a translator.

The Associated Press reports Los Angeles Dodgers 3B Jose Valentin is still considered the leading contender to land the starting job at third base, even though the team signed 3B Norihiro Nakamura to a minor league contract to compete with him in spring training. "Certainly, we signed Jose Valentin with the idea that he would play third base, and I certainly still expect him to be on this club and be the leading contender," said Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta Thursday, Feb. 3.